Back to School Book List

These books are great reads for the child heading off to school for the very first time, managing those first day jitters, or just on the theme of school. All these selections are available through the Sussex County Library System. You will find board books, picture books, easy readers, fiction, nonfiction as well as teen selections.

Updated August 18, 2025
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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Amanda Panda quits kindergarten
Ransom, Candice F.
Paper Book
Kindergarten has never been funnier with the launch of this new, strong-willed character, in the style of Ladybug Girl, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Bread and Jam for Frances. Amanda Panda has BIG ideas for her first day of school. But when things don't...
Back to dog-gone school /
Schmidt, Amy,
Paper Book
From the bus stop to the last bell, this photographic Step 2 early reader--consisting of school-themed poems--is sure to delight dog lovers and those anxious about going back to school. Most of the poems are from the hardcover picture books by husband-and-wife team Ron and Amy Schmidt, Loose...
Back to school, backpack! /
Rich, Simon
Paper Book
A hilarious yet reassuring back-to-school picture book by humorist, novelist, and TV writer Simon Rich-a clever and sweet follow-up to I'm Terrified of Bath Time, where a child's backpack frets about first-day-of-school jitters!  In this hilarious...
Back to school, weird kids rule!
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Summer is almost over, and you know what that means--time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at Andrea's...
Back to school, weird kids rule! /
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Summer is almost over, and you know what that means--time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at Andrea's...
Bear with me /
Kerasco?et.
Paper Book
An endearing picture book from two New York Times bestselling creators about a little girl who learns to cope when she is asked to leave her beloved stuffed animal at home. A child's favorite stuffed animal is a member of the family. This little girl and her bear are no...
Bitsy Bat, School Star
Windness, Kaz
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! 2024 Bank Street Best Children's Book Selection A little bat struggles to fit in only to learn to celebrate differences in this "darling book for all children but especially those with autism" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)...
Clifford goes to kindergarten /
Bridwell, Norman
Paper Book
"Clifford joins Emily Elizabeth for her first day of kindergarten! Emily Elizabeth is nervous about making new friends and missing home. But with Clifford by her side in class to sing songs and play games, Emily Elizabeth learns how much fun kindergarten can be!"--Page 4 of cover.
Confessions of a high school disaster :
Chastain, Emma,
Paper Book
In the tradition of Bridget Jones's Diary, a lovably flawed high school student chronicles her life as she navigates the highs and lows of family, friendship, school, and love in a diary that sparkles with humor and warmth. I'm Chloe Snow, and my life is kiiiiind of a...
The crayons go back to school
Daywalt, Drew
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The hilarious Crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to go back to school in this mini hardcover book! Purple Crayon loves math! White Crayon loves reading! The Crayons are getting ready to go...
David goes to school
Shannon, David
Paper Book
A companion to the Caldecott Honor-winning classic No, David!by bestselling picture-book creator David Shannon!David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each schoolday with trouble -- and are sure to bring a smile to...
The day you begin /
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices! National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to...
The first week of school /
Beckmeyer, Drew,
Paper Book
Follow along as an ensemble cast of characters experience an extraordinary first week of school in this hilarious picture book that's perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Lucy Ruth Cummins! It's the first day of school. An artist wonders if her drawings are good enough to show. An...
Goodnight school /
Bailey, Catherine
Paper Book
School's First Day of School meets Good Night, Gorilla in this irresistible bedtime story about School getting ready to go to sleep! As the sun sets, a security guard arrives to help this sleepy little school get some rest. From tucking in chairs to...
The Goodnight Train Ready for School
Sobel, June/ Huliska-Beith, Laura (ILT)
Paper Book
All aboard the Goodnight Train in this night-before-school companion to The Goodnight Train Halloween and The Goodnight Train Easter. Features peek-a-boo die cuts on every page! The engine chugs slow and steady. Get your brand-new...
How to start kindergarten /
Hapka, Cathy
Paper Book
A hilarious Step 2 reader about starting at a new school! David is the new kid at school, and is worried about fitting in. Steve is NOT worried about fitting in, and tells David, "Just do what I do and you will be great!" But when David listens a little too well, Steve has...
Jojo vs. middle school /
McCullough, Joy
Paper Book
After having hilariously terrible first days of sixth grade, four girls vow to ride out the super highs and cringe-worthy lows of middle school together, no matter how awkward it gets, in this first book in the Team Awkward middle grade series. Jojo has everything planned out for...
A Kids Book About School
Burger, Rachel
Learn more about what school is, why we go, and why it's so important! This is a kids' book about school. What does going to school mean for you? A lot of people think of history, science, or gym class. But did you know school can teach you so much more? This book...
Kindergarten diary
Portis, Antoinette.
Paper Book
Starting kindergarten can be a little scary. But Annalina shows us there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to--meeting your teacher, playing on the monkey bars, feeding the pet tortoise, and making new friends. Experience the ups and downs of the first days of...
Kindergarten hat /
Lawler, Janet.
Paper Book
Carlos Abredo is scared to start kindergarten, but a special teacher with an amazing hat helps give him the confidence to start the school year with a smile. "A practically perfect first-experience story, especially for anxious hearts and gentle spirits." Kirkus...
Kindergarten is cool!
Marshall, Linda Elovitz
Paper Book
When you wake up for school you'll get dressed, really cool with your sneakers and socks and your lunch in a box . . . Kindergarten's begun. Big kids say that it's fun. But is that really true? ...
Kindergarten luck /
Borden, Louise
Paper Book
What makes a lucky day? One gloomy morning Theodore found a bright, shiny penny on the way down to breakfast. There was Abraham Lincoln, face up. What luck!  'Oh THANK you, Mr. Famous President!' Theodore said.  And he tucked that shiny, new...
The King of Kindergarten /
Barnes, Derrick D,
Paper Book
The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make...
Kisses for kindergarten
Crouse, Livingstone
Paper Book
Join Stella Isabella Harden and her puppy Buster in this lyrical read-aloud and heartwarming story about the first day of kindergarten. Stella Isabella Harden contemplating kindergarten declared she didn't have to go... because her puppy told her so....
The Kissing Hand /
Penn, Audrey,
Paper Book
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming...
Llama Llama back to school /
Duncan, Reed,
Paper Book
A Netflix Original series From bestselling author and storyteller Anna Dewdney comes a back-to-school story featuring the beloved Llama Llama! Summer days are getting shorter and it's almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But Llama Llama isn't ready for...
Llama Llama misses Mama /
Dewdney, Anna.
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Join Llama Llama as he attends his first day of preschool in this charmingly illustrated board book, perfect for introducing little ones to a big milestone. Strange new teacher. Strange new toys. Lots of kids and lots of noise!
Maisy goes to preschool /
Cousins, Lucy.
Ebook
"Maisy is confident and acquainted with the routines of preschool. She clearly has no separation issues. . . . As always, Cousins's bright color illustrations are simple and appealing." - School Library Journal In a bright, full-size storybook full of familiar scenes,...
Monkey.
Brown, Marc Tolon
Paper Book
Marc Brown, creator of the beloved Arthur books and TV show, offers a charming new character--and a fun and reassuring story about preparing for the first day of school.   Kindergarten is only a week away . . . but Monkey is NOT ready. What if he gets on the wrong bus?...
The night before first grade /
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * Putting an uplifting spin on a classic poem, this charmingly illustrated and lyrical picture book prepares kids--and their parents!--for all the firsts that first grade has to offer. "T'was the night before first grade. I kissed my dog Clover...
The night before kindergarten
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Putting an uplifting spin on a classic poem, this charmingly illustrated and lyrical picture book about starting kindergarten will help kids--and their parents!--prepare for the big day. "T'was the night before kindergarten, ...
The night before preschool
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
It's the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can't fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either- he's too excited about going back! The book's simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe...
Off to first grade
Borden, Louise.
Paper Book
It's the first day of first grade, and everyone in Mrs. Miller's class is getting ready! Anna is excited about reading zillions of books, Ben's mom gives him a big off-to-first-grade hug, and Claire poses for a first-day picture. In Off to First Grade we hear from all twenty-three of Mrs....
Old School
Korman, Gordon
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables comes a hilarious story about a boy who is homeschooled in his grandmother's retirement community...until he is forced to go to public school.  Dexter Foreman is twelve going on...
On the first day of first grade /
Rabe, Tish.
Paper Book
On the first day of first grade, there will be lots of fun! This is the perfect book to share with a kindergartner getting ready for the step up to "big kid" school! From choosing books to read to building things with clay to performing in a play, there are many exciting...
Pete the kitty's first day of preschool /
Dean, James,
Paper Book
Pete the Kitty is almost ready for his first day of preschool! Preschoolers and little ones getting ready to go to preschool for the first time will enjoy cheering Pete the Kitty's fun entry to preschool. It's a big day for Pete the Kitty: his first day of preschool! He...
Pinkalicious :
Kann, Victoria.
Paper Book
"­Students who are learning to read will enjoy visiting a vibrant kindergarten ­classroom with ­Pinkalicious." --School Library Journal Pinkalicious gets a kindergarten buddy in this Level One I Can Read, brought to you by #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Kann!<...
Planet Kindergarten
Ganz-Schmitt, Sue
Paper Book
A genius way to ease kids into the new adventure that is kindergarten." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero...
The Queen of Kindergarten /
Barnes, Derrick,
Paper Book
A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten. MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her...
Ready for kindergarten /
Freitas, Bethany V.,
Paper Book
A reassuring and empowering book for all incoming kindergarteners, especially those who wonder: Am I ready You are! The unknown can be scary and the first day of school intimidating, for kids and the grownups who love them. Perfect for easing nerves and increasing excitement,...
Ruby Bridges :
Bridges, Ruby
Paper Book
Acclaimed civil rights icon, Ruby Bridges, shares the touching tale of reuniting with the first-grade teacher who changed her life, Mrs. Henry. Once again, you have shown me that you never get too old to learn. Teaching really is the noblest of professions. When Ruby...
Sarang Saves the School
Howley, Korena Di Roma/ Oh, Joowon (ILT)
"In an uplifting authorial picture book debut, Di Roma Howley introduces a spirited protagonist. . . . Oh's carefully lit digital illustrations emphasize Sarang's sunny optimism, and fond intergenerational interactions depict shared learning and wisdom at every age." --Publishers Weekly...
School recess /
Gates, Margo
Paper Book
Recess is many kids' favorite part of the school day. Kid-friendly information on safety and expected behavior make this book perfect for young learners. Prepare new learners for school with this kid-friendly series. From the bus to recess to the 100th day of school, kids learn what to...
School's first day of school /
Rex, Adam,
Paper Book
"An essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud."― School Library Journal, starred review A heartwarming and clever first day of school tale, from New York Times bestsellers Adam Rex (The Legend...
Schoolbot 9000
Hepburn, Sam
A hilarious--and ominous--new graphic novel series about what happens when one school's human teachers are replaced by robots! "Freethinkers, rebels and techno-skeptics will find a lot to love here."--The New York Times James Gordon is already annoyed by the...
Screech School
Killick, Jennifer
Let your fears take flight in this scary sequel of the Creatures & Teachers series where a group of friends must protect their school from vampire birds! Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything together. The scariest thing they think...
Super Saurus saves kindergarten /
Underwood, Deborah.
Paper Book
Nothing can keep Super Saurus from conquering kindergarten in this funny story about a young dinosaur who learns how to be himself, with or without a cape--perfect for back-to-school and year-round storytime. Arnold has a plan. The evil...
Tiny goes back to school /
Meister, Cari.
Paper Book
Tiny is not obeying. He won't come when Elliot calls him, and he rolls over when he tells him to "sit." Looks like somebody needs to go back to school! Cari Meister uses simple language in this new level 1 reader to instill confidence in beginning readers. And because of that, it is a book young...
Tyrannosaurus wrecks :
Gibbs, Stuart,
Paper Book
In the latest novel in New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs's FunJungle series, Teddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle's resident sleuth to solve his most improbable mystery yet--with a victim that's 65 million years old. Teddy was all set for a campout at his friend...
We share this school :
Saks, Dan,
Paper Book
A rhyming, heartfelt celebration of school communities and the vital role they play in young children's lives. This formative board book is an appreciation of school communities and the many ways in which they help develop empathy, compassion, and collective responsibility....
Wemberly worried /
Henkes, Kevin
Paper Book
Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you. Wemberly worried about spilling her juice,...

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